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Sea Kayaking

Top 10 Sea Kayaking Vacations in North America

North America and the Caribbean have one of the most diverse ranges of paddling options in the world. This is a region that encompasses both Alaska and the Florida Keys. Sea kayaking routes take place in temperate waters surrounded by glaciers and whales to the calm clear waters and white sandy beaches of the tropics. It’s a place great for beginners and intermediate paddlers as well as experts. More paddling clubs, organizations, tour operators, and enthusiast can be found here than anywhere else.

San Juan Islands, Washington

Paddling is how these Orca filled waters on the Washington/B.C. border were meant to be explored. Paddle from island to island, staying at cozy campgrounds or five star lodges, or just spend the afternoon the quaint harbors.

Kenai Fjords, Alaska

Explore this 650,000-acre park on the Kenai Peninsula in Southcentral Alaska, home of the 300-square-mile Harding Icefield, and try to spot whales, otters, sea lions, and bald eagles.

Kauai, Hawaii

The Na Pali coast is the premier kayaking spot in the Hawaiian Isles. Beginners and intermediate paddlers will find dramatic green cliffs, untouched white sand beaches, caves, ruins, and great snorkeling access. Begin at Ha’ena county beach park for the 15 mile trip to Polihale state park.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Take the 11 mile Seal Cove-to-Clark Cove sea-kayak tour through Maine’s pride and joy. Explore the western side of Mount Desert Island, watch for wildlife, camp on the rugged coast; make your way to Bar Harbor and you’ll have endless options for routes and tour operators to take you out.

The Coast, Oregon

The rugged, cave filled coastline of Oregon offers some of the most daring paddling in the Pacific Northwest. There are challenging surfs and swells to calm estuaries and desolate beaches.

Florida Keys, Florida

The Keys are seemingly the epicenter of the world’s kayaking operations by the sheer number of tour operators here. Make your way through shallow, crystal clear waters that those on boats could never reach.

Inside Passage, Vancouver Island

Also known as Johnstone Strait, this narrow waterway off the east coast of Vancouver Island is home to the world’s largest Orca whale colony.

Dominica

The Pirates of the Caribbean backdrop, the Caribbean’s nature island, the lush thousand foot cliffs on the southwestern shore…what’s not to love?

Molokai, Hawaii

Remote caves, waterfalls, hidden valleys, islets, and the tallest sea cliffs in the world make are only part of the north coast of Molokai’s wild enchantment. There are about 20-40 miles of paddling routes to take in these advanced waters.

New York City, New York

Manhattan!? Really? Yes! Free loaner kayaks from the Downtown boat house so you can paddle to the Statue of Liberty are maybe the most unique way of seeing this majestic city.